World Cup hero Cortnee Vine 'on the radar' for Matildas recall

New Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has hinted Women's World Cup hero Cortnee Vine may be in line for a recall to the national squad.

Vine shows nerves of steel Photo shows Cortnee Vine kicks the winning penalty against France at the Women's World Cup. Coming off the bench in the 104th minute of the Matildas' Women's World Cup quarterfinal against France, the 25-year-old had little idea she was about to write her name into Australian sporting folklore.

Winger Vine catapulted to stardom when she scored the winning spot-kick in the Matildas' epic penalty shootout win over France at the 2023 World Cup.

Back then, Vine was also lighting up A-League Women with Sydney FC.

But between taking a mental health break, injuries and a difficult start to life in the NWSL with North Carolina Courage, the 27-year-old has not played for the Matildas since the Paris Olympics.

Montemurro plans to reach out to Vine, along with other players in the wider Matildas selection frame.

"Cortnee's definitely on the radar," he said.

"We'll get to the heart of getting her back in the fray and hopefully we can build her into the Asian Cup also."

Montemurro watched on in Canberra on Monday night as an array of other attackers made their own cases ahead of the Asian Cup.

As the leader of the prolific Matildas 'brand', Montemurro might be Australia's most important coach Photo shows Joe Montemurro holds a football and wears a scarf Joe Montemurro correctly called the Matildas 'one of the best brands in the world' at his unveiling and begins his tenure as coach at one of the most crucial junctures in Australian football.

Amy Sayer scored a well-taken brace in the 4-1 win over Argentina.

Kahli Johnson notched a goal and an assist across her first two matches, while A-League Women Golden Boot winner Holly McNamara is also highly rated.

"It's interesting that everyone's talking about the next cycle and the aging squad," Montemurro said.

Montemurro has been helped by Tom Sermanni testing and developing players during his stint as interim coach.

"It's actually made my job a little bit easier in terms of profiling players and understanding what level some of the players are at and then thinking about how we can marry the two," he said.

Montemurro will be in charge of the Matildas for their upcoming friendlies against Slovenia and Panama in Perth.

AAP

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